Expert Defends Industrialization for Food Security

Luanda: Economist Osvaldo Cruz said Monday in Luanda that the industrialization of agriculture is the key factor to expand the cultivated areas and guarantee food security in the country. According to Angola Press News Agency, the expert emphasized the importance of "incorporating" industry into the agricultural sector. He explained that this integration would provide more efficient and modern equipment, facilitating a transition from subsistence farming to large-scale agriculture and ultimately achieving "food independence." This shift is expected to reduce food imports and boost domestic production of essential crops such as maize, wheat, cassava, and sweet potatoes, contributing to dietary diversification. Cruz highlighted the issue of post-harvest losses affecting significant production areas, asserting that reversing this trend is crucial for enhancing the profitability of farming families. He advocated for the establishment of silos in growing regions and internal customs posts to manage surplus produ ction and prevent drastic price fluctuations, particularly during the rainy season. Additionally, he underscored the necessity of improving infrastructure, including access roads to growing areas, expanding the electricity grid, and enhancing transportation means to facilitate the movement of goods from fields to marketing points. The economist concluded that stabilizing prices is essential and that it should ultimately become more economical to consume national products rather than imported ones.